The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has emphasised that it will implore all the necessary force to ensure peace prevail in Bawku,Upper East Region.In a press release by the Acting Director General Public Relations, VA Arhin, explained that the new development follows a recent directive by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama.

According to the military, its new strategies will focus on conflict zone areas, such as Bawku, Binduri, Nalerigu, and Zebilla, to restore calm and prevent further escalation."The Ghana Armed Forces wishes to inform the general public that following the directive by the President of the Republic and Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, the Ghana Armed Forces has, with immediate effect, transitioned to peace enforcement has become necessary due to the activities of armed elements that have intermittently resulted in violence, reprisal attacks and innocent deaths highlighting a dangerous pattern that threatens not only Bawku but also the peace and security of our dear Nation.“Ghana Armed Forces operations during this period will be conducted in areas to include Bawku, Binduri, Nalerigu and Zebilla. This peace enforcement phase will see the Military undertake robust and purposeful operations that would enhance community protection, while ensuring sanity returns to affected areas,” parts of the release read.

The resurgence of violence was largely sparked by the return of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, a Mamprusi chief who had been enskinned in 2022, only to be exiled later when his enskinment was ruled illegal.

His return to Bawku followed the withdrawal of an arrest warrant against him by a Kumasi High Court in October 2024, reigniting tensions between the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities.

The renewed violence has resulted in deadly confrontations, including attacks on both civilians and security forces.

On Saturday evening, July 26, two male students of Nalerigu Senior High School (SHS) in the Northern Region; Lukman and Gideon were shot dead by unknown assailants.

The armed group reportedly invaded the school premises, making their way to the dormitory, and opened fire on the victims.

The shooting incident was disclosed by the Assembly Member for the Denugu Electoral Area, Dasmani Fuseini who is said to be an uncle to one of the deceased students while speaking to the media.

The remains of the deceased students are in the custody of the police at the time of reporting. The Police have commenced an investigation into the murder of the students that has been linked to the renewed Bawku conflict.

Management of Nalerigu Senior High School is yet to officially comment on the matter as school students mourn the loss of their colleagues. Also, communities close to the second cycle institutions are in a state of shock.

In reaction to the recent violent attack, the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, on the advice of the North East Regional Security Council and by Executive Instrument, has imposed curfew hours on Nalerigu Township and its environs in the North East Region from 2pm to 6am, effective Sunday, July 27, until further notice.

The curfew has created an environment conducive to the evacuation of all students in various educational institutions in affected areas, some of whom have been unfortunately targeted in the conflict.

Meanwhile, Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has indicated that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is fully prepared to contain any form of escalation in Bawku and its surrounding areas.

Providing an update on the state of his sector on Monday, July 21, he acknowledged the tense situation in Bawku but assured that the military has implemented strong and effective security measures to respond to any threats and maintain stability.

“We acknowledge that the situation in Bawku and Alavanyo and their immediate surroundings remains volatile. The Ghana Armed Forces is actively monitoring and has put in place robust mechanisms to ensure any potential escalation is swiftly contained in the interest of the people and long-lasting resolution of the conflict through dialogue,” he said.

He warned that any individuals or groups who take advantage of the conflict to commit crimes will face strict action from the authorities.

“In doing so, we shall always separate crimes from traditional matters, enabling us to deal appropriately and legally with criminals who foment trouble in the name of chieftaincy conflict,” he said.

The Minister’s remarks come a few weeks after a recent altercation in Bawku, where a confrontation between some members of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and locals resulted in the death of five civilians and the destruction of a statue of the Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II.

According to him, the government is working with security to contain the situation and protect lives and property. “I have directed thorough investigations into the recent matter and promised to take swift action based on recommendations,” he said.

Recently, the government banned the possession of arms, ammunition, or any offensive weapons in the area. It emphasised that anyone found in violation will be arrested and prosecuted.

On April 15, Otumfuo formally announced that the critical mediation sessions would take place from April 28 to May 1 at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. However, it was postponed due to the complexity of the dispute in the locality.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s involvement in the peace process has been met with widespread approval, with many hopeful that his leadership will play a critical role in restoring peace and stability to the troubled Bawku region.

Colonel Festus Aboagye (Retired), a distinguished security expert, has called for greater support for Otumfuo’s initiative, stressing the importance of embracing multi-track diplomacy to strengthen the peace process.Colonel Aboagye urged a more inclusive approach to the mediation, calling for the involvement of various national stakeholders such as diaspora leaders, youth advocates, and women’s peacebuilding networks.

He believes that a broader, multi-dimensional strategy will result in a more sustainable and inclusive solution to the conflict.

“Support Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s mediation through multi-track diplomacy, incorporating diaspora leaders, youth influencers, and women’s peacebuilding networks,” he proposed.

He also cautioned that traditional diplomatic efforts alone might not be enough to resolve the deep divisions that have fueled the protracted conflict. Meanwhile, GAF has called on residents and the wider public to cooperate with ongoing security operations, as efforts to restore normalcy in the region.

Meanwhile, the government has commenced evacuation of all students in educational institutions in Nalerigu Township and its environs in the North East Region, following the murder of two students.